A street-wise teen from Baltimore who has been raised by a single mother travels to New York City to spend the Christmas holiday with his estranged relatives, where he embarks on a surprising and inspirational journey.
Black Nativity (2013) Online
In a contemporary adaptation of Langston Hughes' celebrated play, the holiday musical drama BLACK NATIVITY follows Langston (Jacob Latimore), a street-wise teen from Baltimore raised by a single mother, as he journeys to New York City to spend the Christmas holiday with his estranged relatives Reverend Cornell and Aretha Cobbs (Forest Whitaker and Angela Bassett). Unwilling to live by the imposing Reverend Cobbs' rules, a frustrated Langston is determined to return home to his mother, Naima (Jennifer Hudson). Langston embarks on a surprising and inspirational journey and along with his new friends, and a little divine intervention, he discovers the true meaning of faith, healing, and family.
Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Forest Whitaker | - | Reverend Cornell Cobbs | |
Angela Bassett | - | Aretha Cobbs | |
Jennifer Hudson | - | Naima | |
Tyrese Gibson | - | Loot / Tyson | |
Jacob Latimore | - | Langston | |
Mary J. Blige | - | Angel | |
Nas | - | Street Prophet (Isaiah) (as Nasir Jones) | |
Vondie Curtis-Hall | - | Pawnbroker (as Vondie Curtis Hall) | |
Luke James | - | Jo-Jo / Joseph | |
Grace Gibson | - | Maria / Mary | |
Rotimi | - | Officer Butch McDaniels | |
J. Mallory McCree | - | Kyle | |
Henry Hunter Hall | - | Snoopy (as H. Hunter Hall) | |
Michael Dale | - | Innkeeper | |
Doug Willen | - | Chic Man |
This film is one of the rare occasions when Forest Whitaker lends his tenor voice for a film.
Angela Bassett plays a preacher's wife in this film. In 1996, her "Waiting to Exhale" co-star Whitney Houston played the title role in "The Preacher's Wife". The preacher in that film was played by Courteney B. Vance, Bassett's real-life husband.
Brandy Norwood confirmed in an interview that she lost the role of 'Angel' to Mary J. Blige.
This is Angela Bassett and Forest Whitaker's second collaboration. Their first was "Waiting to Exhale" (1995), which Whitaker directed and in which Bassett starred.
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